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Here at Eastern Illinois University, we believe that your hard work, sacrifice, and dedication to your community should count towards your undergraduate degree! If you are or have been in law enforcement, it is possible for some of your documented training to count toward your degree requirements for a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Studies, through our prior learning assessment process.
Prior learning assessment is the process of awarding college-level credit for college-level learning. Law enforcement personnel sometimes have advanced training that should be considered college-level learning. Students will submit a prior learning portfolio, which details all training opportunities and showcases those certificates.
Our prior learning portfolio process for law enforcement is easy. You will work with the Portfolio Administrator to produce the portfolio for evaluation. You will need to have copies of your training and certificates; transcripts from law enforcement institutes will also be accepted. Previous students have earned between 8 credit hours to 60 credit hours. Popular examples of credited learning include the following:
The Portfolio Administrator will determine what credits will count towards your remaining degree requirements. here are fees assessed with the portfolio evaluation, but the amount paid is significantly less than what you’d pay in per semester tuition and fee charges.
"While attending Eastern Illinois University, I participated in the BGS program. As an adult working professional my time was limited and the BGS program made it simpler for me to get my degree. Through the program I was able to select classes on online, at off campus locations, and on campus at different hours which was a great way to get the required credits needed to earn my Bachelor’s degree around my busy schedule. Since I was a nontraditional student, the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies degree program offered classes on my time table, and provided me with the opportunity to utilize its portfolio system. The portfolio is a great way for anyone looking to take their life experiences, trainings, and job history and turn it into college credit towards their degree. For me, the portfolio cut my class requirements significantly and allowed me to showcase my resume and use it to gain my degree faster. Without EIU’s BGS program and the portfolio system, I probably wouldn’t have considered going back to school. I would recommend any nontraditional student to take a look at the program and take the first step in getting their Bachelor’s Degree at EIU."
Jeremy Clark, 2009 BGS Graduate
"You have worked hard as a police officer and have attended many training courses. Take a prior learning portfolio class, create a professional resume, and receive college level credit that you deserve for the time and effort you put in serving your community."
Mario Sankis, 2016 BGS Graduate